The next day, everyone gathered in the lobby after a quick breakfast. Today they would be facing Australia in the first match of the Super Round.
Since the number of teams had been reduced to 6, everyone would be playing at Rodgers stadium from this point forth. This was also the point where more and more spectators would start to appear in the arena.
To be frank, the audience numbers for the U18 World Cup so far were rather abysmal. Ken was pretty sure that his middle school prefecture tournament finals had similar numbers in attendance.
But from what Coach Takashi said, the Men's World Cup had the biggest draw and not the U18 version. Though this did not seem to affect him at all.
Ken found himself deep in thought after last night's discussion with Hiroki. Having all of that praise heaped on him left him feeling like a bit of a fraud.
In all honesty, his skill level could be completely attributed to the system. Without it, he would likely have been a mediocre player up to this point, despite having a second chance at chasing his dreams.
This brought up old questions and a feeling similar to that of imposter syndrome.
'Would I be able to continue like this if I didn't have the system?'
The answer was pretty obvious, even at a glance.
No.
He almost felt like he was cheating against these teens around the same age as him with their god given talents and extreme work ethic.
But it wasn't like he could ever find out the answer to his question. It wasn't like a computer, there was no way of turning the system off so he that could find out.
And even if there was a way to turn it off, would he want to?
Who would want to risk their future career for something as fickle as pride?
Ken turned his gaze to his brother who was busy chatting away to Hiroki. He saw the two smiling while they talked about this and that, ignorant of Ken's thoughts and worries.
He couldn't help but smile warmly, seeing the two.
Ken felt his guilt slowly ease. His friends and teammates had also been beneficiaries of the system, mainly through the targeted training regimes.
There was also Yusuke whose career and possibly life had been saved by the system's information. If Ken hadn't alerted Coach Hanada about his injury, then history would have repeated itself.
'I shouldn't feel guilty…' Ken thought inwardly.
While the system was definitely a cheat, it had also done many good things, even for his opponents.
Just remembering his middle school game against Fujimi High where the system gave him the "Free the slaves of Fujimi" mission, brought a smile to his face.
The system seemed to have its own morals, deeming the coach of Fujimi unfit to teach his own players.
There was also the time against Carlos when they played Shuei. It wanted Ken to strike him out 3 times, all in order to show Carlos that he wouldn't get anywhere with how he was playing.
As Ken was walking down memory lane, he suddenly remembered what had happened in that game, causing him to shudder at the thought.
After Carlos got out the 3rd time, Ken only needed to not let anyone on base again for Carlos to not have another chance in the batters box. His pitching was sharp, and no one even got close to landing a hit throughout the game.
Yet by some miracle, they faced each other again in the 9th inning.
Sure, Ken might have chalked it up to his bad luck in the past, but now he was more suspicious.
Was it the system who had pulled the strings from afar?
If that was the case, just what kind of power did the system hold over this world?
What was its goal?
"Ken, why do you look so pale?" Daichi asked, a hint of worry on his face.
Ken quickly snapped out of his reverie, turning his attention to his brother.
"Ah, I think I just ate too fast." He replied, gesturing that he was fine.
Daichi pondered for a moment before giving his brother the benefit of the doubt. Sometimes Ken got like this and became rather secretive, though it would usually pass by pretty quickly.
Therefore he decided to drop the matter.
"Hey, I heard that the Australian team brought over their own cheerleaders!" Riku said, his eyebrows dancing with excitement.
"Eh! Really? I heard Australian women are beautiful." Aki piped up, his face full of expectation.
"Mmm, they are indeed beautiful."
Everyone turned their heads after hearing Kuro answer. His gloomy features were serious, as if he truly knew with certainty.
"What? How do you know what Australian girls look like?"
Kuro's face turned up into a creepy grin, his expression giving others an uneasy feeling.
"My family manage a hotel complex, we get a lot of tourists from all parts of the world." He said confidently.
However, everyone was silent at these words. They could only imagine how scared these women would be when confronted with Kuro's face at check-in.
"Ahem. We can't be distracted by such things today, stay focused." Daichi said, clearing his throat.
"Booooring~ Just because you've got a girl, doesn't mean the rest of us have." Riku retorted, waving Diachi's concerns off.
"Am I right Ken?"
"Tch, Ken also has a girl back home. He's not like the rest of us who struggle with those sorts of things."
Silence…
Everyone turned their attention to Hiroki who was acting like a typical disgruntled teenager with no female attention.
"Get him!"
Masayuki shouted out his orders, prompting the players in the vicinity to attack the imposter.
"W-Wait what are you doing!?" Hiroki shouted, feeling aggrieved.
He was suddenly faced with the onslaught of all his jealous teammates.
"What do you mean "US"? You're obviously a pretty boy!"
"Damn it, I hurt my fingers trying to pinch him."